Dispenser for viscous material

ABSTRACT

A device for withdrawing a viscous material from a container and dispensing the material in desired quantities, an operating member being located in said device for axial movement therein and being movable in a first direction for withdrawing the viscous material from the container into a load chamber of the device from a feed chamber therein, movement of the operating member in a reverse direction causing the viscous material to be drawn from the load chamber into the feed chamber for the charging thereof in preparation for the next reversal movement of the operating member.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Wilbert J.DesRoches 2,981,445 4/1961 Russell l. 222/383X Edmeston,N.Y. 3,124,080 3/1964 Sisson 103/228X [21] Appl. No. 719,585 3,131,646 5/1964 Parrott 103/228X [22] Filed Apr;8, 1968 3,220,611 11/1965 Zander et a1 222/207X [45] Patented Jan. 12, 1971 3,238,890 3/1966 Sadler et a1. l03/228X [73] Assignee DesRnches-Hurlburt lndustries,lnc. 633,724 9/1899 Lundell 222/385X Oneonta,N.Y. 1,128,412 2/1915 Cockburn 222/384 a corporation of New York 3,21 1,340 10/1965 Zander et a1 222/494X 3,425,358 2/1969 Kilbum etal. 222/385X Primary Examiner-Samuel F. Coleman [54] DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIAL Attorney-Salter and Michaelson 5 Claims, 11 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 222/95, ABSTRACT: A device f withdrawing a viscous material 2381 322/383 from a container and dispensing the material in desired quan- Int.

tities an operating member being located in said device for [50] Field of Search 103/40, axial movement therein and being movable in a fi t direction 225, 228; ZZZ/207 372, 380, 383, for withdrawing the viscous material from the container into a 384,385,494 load chamber of the device from a feed chamber therein, movement of the o eratin member in a reverse direction [56] References cued causing the viscous mater ial to be drawn from the load 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS chamber into the feed chamber for the charging thereof in 1,615,380 1 1927 Hill (222/383) preparation for the next reversal movement of the operating 2,111,970 3/1938 Gillen 103/40 member.

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Wilbert J..De.s ROCHE-s W-ENTOR -Nii Att 5.

PATENTEU JAN 1 219m SHEET 2 OF 2 DISPENSER FOR VISCOUS MATERIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention has particular application in the dispensingof a viscou material, such as toothpaste, from a container as employed for household use. Some of the common complaints normally associated with toothpaste tubes presently available and designed for family use are that they normally remain uncapped, they are too often misplaced, breaks in the tube walls result in messy shelves and sinks, and dispensing of the toothpaste is difficult to achieve without waste.

Prior to the instant invention, some efforts have been made to provide for dispensers for toothpaste tubes wherein a measured quantity of toothpaste is dispensed from the dispenser onto the users toothbrush. However, these prior known constructions have not found favor in the trade because of the difficulty of use thereof, particularly in the actuation of an operating member for the dispensing of the toothpaste onto the users toothbrush. Moreover, these prior known constructions have been somewhat complicated in structure, thereby prohibitively increasing the cost of the unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The dispenser embodied in the present invention is relatively simple in construction and in effect defines a miniature pump that is designed to withdraw toothpaste from a tube into a chamber, whereafter the toothpaste is then dispensed in measured quantities as required. The dispenser includes a body portion having a chamber that communicates with the interior of the toothpaste tube. Located within the chamber is an operating member that cooperateswith a one-way valve to positively withdraw the toothpaste from the tube into the body portion for dispensing therefrom. By forming the one-way valve in a unique manner and further by providing the head assembly of the operating member with a unique valve construction, a pump is defined that is responsive to reciprocating movement of the operating member to draw the material into a load chamber of the dispenser and to thereafter force the material into a feed chamber for subsequent dispensing therefrom upon a return stroke of the operating member. Because of the unique characteristics of the one-way valve and operating member, a positive feeding action of the material is obtained for dispensing the material from the feed chamber as required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for withdrawing viscous material from a container and into a chamber in the device, whereby the material is successively drawn into a load chamber and into a feed chamber and thereafter dispensed from the device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device having an operating member that is axially movable and that includes a head assembly that cooperates with a oneway valve for producing a simultaneous feeding of the material into the device and dispensing of the material therefrom.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device having an operating member extending therein and that is axially movable to produce a pumping action for withdrawing material from a supply container into the device and for discharging the material from the device as required.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispenser as embodied in the present invention and as mounted on a bracket that is adapted to be secured to a vertical surface, such as a wall;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

LII

opening of the one-way valve upon withdrawal of the operating member in a feeding movement;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing the operation of the one-way valve and head assembly valve upon return movement of the operating member; 7

FIG. 9 is an enlarged elevational view with parts shown in section of the lower portion of a modified form of the dispenser;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view with portions broken away I showing a modified deformable element that is formed as part of the head assembly in the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 1 l is a perspective view of the head assembly illustrated in the modified form of the invention in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. I, the dispenser embodied in the present invention is generally indicated at 10 and, as shown, is comprised of a body portion generally indicated at 12. As contemplated, the dispenser 10 will be utilized for the dispensing of a viscous material, such as toothpaste, from a flexible-wall container, such as a toothpaste tube, indicated at 14 in FIG. 2. However, it will be understood that the dispenser 10 is not limited for use in the dispensing of toothpaste and can be employed for the dispensing of any form of viscous material from a container, regardless of the construction thereof. Referring again to FIG. 1, a bracket 16 is shown receiving the body portion 12 in a notch or slot 18 formed in the forward edge thereof. Convenient openings 20 are located in the bracket 16 and receive toothbrushes therein in the conventional manner. In order to mount the bracket 16 and the body portion 12 of the dispenser as secured thereto, a plate 22 is provided and is joined to the rearmost edge of the bracket 16, the plate 22 being mountable on a vertical surface in any convenient manner. As further shown in FIG. 2, a web 24 is formed as an integral part of the body portion 12 and is fixed to the underside of the bracket 16. The web 24 is also secured to the plate 22 for locating the body portion 12 and the bracket 16 in proper oriented relation with respect to the plate 22.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the body portion 12 is shown having a generally cylindrical configuration and includes a diverging upper portion indicated at 26 and a reducing tapered lower portion indicated at 28. Formed interiorly,of the body portion 12 is an axially extending bore 30 that is divided into a feed chamber 32 and a load chamber 34, as will be more fully described hereinafter. Joined to the body portion 12 adjacent to the tapered lower end thereof is a discharge spout 36, the

interior of which communicates with the feed chamber 32 and that is adapted to direct the viscous material from the feed chamber 32 outwardly of the dispensing device during a dispensing operation.

As previously mentioned, the dispensing device 10 hasparticular application in the dispensing of a viscous material, such as toothpaste, from a toothpaste tube 14. The toothpaste tube 14 has a flexible-wall construction and is provided with a reduced neck section 38 that has external threads formed when it is inserted therein and thus is adaptable for receiving a variety of neck sections regardless of the thread pitch formed thereon.

Located adjacent to the resilient bushing 42 and controlling communication between the interior of the tube 14 and the chamber 30 is a one-way valve generally indicated at 44. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the valve 44 includes a disclike body 46 in which an arcuate slot 50 is formed, the slot 50 defining a central portion 48 that has a dome configuration and that is connectable to the body through a connecting portion 52. It is seen that the central portion 48 has relative movement with respect to the body 40 and is pivoted relative thereto by means of the connecting portion 52. In order to accommodate the valve 44,.the interior of the body portion 12 is formed with a shoulder 54 that is located adjacent to the axial bore 30 and that defines the innermost end of the recess 40. The innermost end of the bushing 42 engages the body 46 and thereby retains the valve 44 in a positive position against the shoulder 54. In order to insure that the movable central portion 48 of the valve 44 positively closes communication between the load chamber 34 and the interior of the container 14, a washer 56 is located in the recess 40 in overlying relation with respect to the valve 44. A through opening is formed in the washer 56, the surface thereof adjacent to the central dome portion 48 of the valve 44-being countersunk as indicated at 58 for accommodating the central portion 48 of the valve 44 in sealing engagement therein. It is seen that when pressure is exerted on the inner surface of the valve 44, the central domed portion 48 will be positively moved into the countersunk opening 58, thereby closing communication between the container 14 and the interior of the dispenser. When an outward force is directed on the central domed portion 48, it will be pivotally moved in a manner to open communication between the interior of the container 14 and the load chamber 34.

In order to withdraw the material from the container 14 into the dispenser and to discharge the material from the dispenser in the desired quantity, an operating member generally indicated at 60 is providedThe operating member 60 includes an elongated stem 62 that extends inwardly into the bore 30 and that projects outwardly of the body portion 12, terminating in a handle 64. Mounted on the end of the elongated stem 62 that is located within the bore 30 is a head assembly generally indicated at 66 that, in effect, defines a valve and separates the bore 30 into the feed chamber 32 and load chamber 34. Joined to the stem 62 and located at the innermost end thereof is a head portion 68 in which opposed notches 70 are formed. Spaced from the head portion 68 is a support portion 72 having opposed sides formed with flat surfaces 74 that are located in alignment with the notches 70. Interposed between the head portion 68 and the support portion 72 is a disclike resilient or deformable element 76, the peripheral edges of which engage the walls of the bore 30. As seen in FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the diameter of the head portion 68 is formed slightly less than the diameter of the bore 30, while the diametrical dimension of the curved peripheral portions of the support portion 72 is such as to provide an annular space therebetween and the adjacent walls of the bore 30.

During the dispensing operation, the operating member 60 is movable longitudinally of the bore 30, and it is seen that when the head portion 68 is moved in a direction toward the spout 36, the deformable element 76 will engage the walls of the chamber 30 and will be prevented from deflecting upwardly, as seen in FIG. 2, by the head portion 68 and thereby closes communication between the load chamber 30 and the feed chamber 32. However, when the operating member 60 is moved in the opposite direction, that is, toward the valve 44, the deformable element 76 will be deflected sufiiciently to provide communication between the load chamber 34 and the feed compartment 32 by way of the notches 92 and flat areas 74. Referring again to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the end of the body portion 12 adjacent to the spout 36 is provided with sealing washers 78 and 80 that effectively seal the stem 62 within the bore 30 as the stem 62 is moved longitudinally of the bore during operation of the device.

In use of the device, the dispenser is normally mounted in a vertical position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7 and 8. and the container 14, such as a thin-walled toothpaste tube, is mounted on the body portion 12 with the neck section 38 of the container 14 being received within the resilient bushing I 42. In order to charge the dispenser for carrying out a neck section of the container 14. .The viscous toothpaste material within the container 14 is then withdrawn through the neck section of the container and through the valve 44 by way of the opening created when the central portion 48 is moved downwardly as illustrated in FIG. 7.- The load chamber 34 is thus charged with the material that is to be dispensed through the spout 36. With the operating member 60 located at the lowermost position thereof such that the head assembly 66 is disposed adjacent to the area in which the spout 36 communicates with the feed chamber 32, the operating member 60 is moved in the opposite direction and toward the valve 44. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the central portion 48 of the valve 44 is moved upwardly due to the pressure of the material exerted on the underside thereof and is moved into engaging relation with the washer 56 to close the opening therein and thereby prevent communication between the neck section of the container and the load chamber 34. As the operating member 60 moves upwardly, the peripheral edges of the deformable element 76 are deflected downwardly, thereby providing for entry of the viscous toothpaste material from the load chamber 34 into the feed chamber 32. The feed chamber 32 is thus charged with the material for the next reverse operating movement of the operating member 60. The dispensing operation is then carried out by pulling the operating member 60 in a direction toward the spout 36, as illustrated again in FIG. 7, and the toothpaste material that is located in the feed chamber 32 is forced through the spout 36 for dispensing onto a toothbrush or the like. Simultaneously with the movement of the operating member 60 toward the spout 36, a suction is again created in the load chamber '34 to draw additional toothpaste material therein past the valve 44. It is seen that as the operating member 60 is reciprocated within the bore 30, material will be successively drawn into the load chamber 34 and feed chamber 32 for dispensing outwardly of the device by way of the spout 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11,- a modified form of the invention is illustrated, and, as shown, the operating member that extends through the body portion 12 of the dispenser is generally indicated at 82 and includes an elongated stem 84 on the outermost end of which a push button 86 is secured.

The uppermost end of the modified dispenser is not illustrated but is formed substantially the same as described above and includes the valve 44. The innermost end of the stem 84 has a head assembly generally indicated at 88 joined thereto, the head assembly 88 having a head portion 90 formed as a part thereof in much the same manner as previously described and including slots 92 formed in opposed relation therein. Located on the underside of the head portion 90 is a deformable element 94 that is formed of a resilient material and that has a diameter that is dimensioned to provide for engagement of the peripheral edges thereof with the walls of the bore 30. Formed as an integral part of the deformable element 94 is a support portion 96 that acts to locate and retain the deformable element 94 in the position as illustrated. The support portion 96 is also fomied with flat areas (not shown) that are aligned with the notches 92 and cooperate therewith to admit the material into the feed chamber 32. Extending through the deformable element and the support portion therefor is an opening 97 through which the stem 84 extends. Protuberances 98 formed on the stem 84 locate the integral support portion 96 and deformable element 94 in a positive position at the uppermost end of the stem, as seen in FIG. 9. The spout 36 is formed on the body portion 12 in the manner as previously described; but in the modified form of the invention, wings 100 are secured to the lowermost end of the body portion 12 adjacent to the spout 36 and have grooves 102 formed therein that are provided for receiving the fingers of a user. lnterposed between the push button 86 and g washer 104 that surrounds the stem 84 at the lowermost end of the body portion 12 is a spring 106, the spring 106 acting to normally locate the operating member 82 in the outermost position thereof.

In use of the modified form of the invention, the user grasps the device such that the thumb is located on the push button 86 and the appropriate fingers are received within the grooves 102 of the wings 100. The stem 84 is then moved inwardly by pushing the push button toward the washer I04 and against the action of the spring 106, thereby moving the head assembly 88 in a direction toward the valve 44. The dispensing operation is carried out upon release-of the push button 86, the spring 106 retracting the stem '86 and producing the dispensing of the material from the feed chamber 32 as the head assembly 88 is drawn downwardly therein. It is seen that in the operation of the modified form of the invention it is only necessary to push the button 86 toward the washer 84, and a dispensing of the material within the device will then be automatically carried out.

It is understood that the form of the head assembly 88 as shown in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11 may also be incorporated in the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8.

It is also contemplated that the position of the body portion 12 will be inverted and that a handle somewhat in the order of a conventional pump handle will be mounted on the stern of the device and operatively connected to the fixed body portion 12, and the bracket 16 or web 24. In this modified form of the device, the container 14 will then be located below the body portion 12 of the dispensing device. However, since the reciprocating action of the operating member is such as to create a suction within the container the viscous material located in the container will be withdrawn therefrom into the load chamber 32 for movement therefrom into the feed compartment and thereafter outwardly of the spout as connected to the body portion upon a pumping movement of the operating member in the manner as described above.

While there is shown and described herein certain structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for dispensing a viscous material from a container, wherein the container is formed with a reduced neck section, comprising:

a body portion in one end of which said reduced neck section is received for securing said container to said body portion and a bore formed in said body portion;

an operating member having a plunger partly carried within the bore of said body portion and adapted to move longitudinally therein; and means for drawing viscous material from said container into the bore of said body portion and for simultaneously discharging viscous material from the bore of said body portion upon movement of said plunger in one direction, said means comprising a head assembly formed on one end of said plunger including a deformable element located within said bore, said deformable element separating said bore into a load chamber and a feed chamber with said element being deformable only toward said feed chamber; a head portion adjacent said deformable element on the load chamber side thereof, said head portion having a disclike configuration of diameter only slightly less than said bore diameter, and a notch in said head portion along its periphery definin a passage for said material through said head assem y when said deformable element 18 deformed; and a one-way check valve located between the load chamber of said bore and said neck section of the container and controlling communication therebetween, said check valve including a disclike flexible portion in which an arcuate slot is formed that defines a pivotally mounted central sealing portion having a domed configuration, said sealing portion being pivotally movable into a sealing position with respect to said neck section upon axial movement of said plunger in a direction toward said neck section, thereby sealing said container, a disc interposed between said check valve and neck section of said container and having an opening formed therein through which the material from said container is forced, said opening having a concave countersunk portion for receiv ing said domed sealing portion of said check valve in sealing engagement upon pivotal movement thereof by said operating member to seal the feed chamber from said container; and

a discharge spout joined to said body portion and communicating with said feed chamber, said plunger being axially movable in said bore, wherein movement of said head assembly in a direction toward said discharge spout forces material located in said feed chamber into said discharge spout for discharge exteriorly thereof and draws material from said container through said neck section into said load chamber, further movement of said operating member in the opposite direction toward said check valve causing said deformable element to be deformed toward said feed chamber, thereby forcing the material in said load chamber past said deformable element and into said feed chamber.

2. In a device as set forth in claim I, a support portion 5 mounted on said operating member in spaced relation from said head portion, said deformable element being located between said head portion and support portion and being supported by said support portion, said support portion having a flat area on at least one side thereof, the flat area being aligned with the notch in said head portion and providing for entry of material from said load chamber into said feed chamber.

3. In a device as set forth in claim 2, said support portion being formed integral with said plunger and head portion.

4. In a device as set forth in claim 2, said support portion being formed as an integral part of said deformable element, and means located on said plunger and engaging said support portion for locking said deformable element and support portion therebetween and said head portion.

5. In a device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the deformable element on said head assembly has an annular configuration. 

1. A device for dispensing a viscous material from a container, wherein the container is formed with a reduced neck section, comprising: a body portion in one end of which said reduced neck section is received for securing said container to said body portion and a bore formed in said body portion; an operating member having a plunger partly carried within the bore of said body portion and adapted to move longitudinally therein; and means for drawing viscous material from said container into the bore of said body portion and for simultaneously discharging viscous material from the bore of said body portion upon movement of said plunger in one direction, said means comprising a head assembly formed on one end of said plunger including a deformable element located within said bore, said deformable element separating said bore into a load chamber and a feed chamber with said element being deformable only toward said feed chamber; a head portion adjacent said deformable element on the load chamber side thereof, said head portion having a disclike configuration of diameter only slightly less than said bore diameter, and a notch in said head portion along its periphery defining a passage for said material through said head assembly when said deformable element is deformed; and a one-way check valve located between the load chamber of said bore and said neck section of the container and controlling communication therebetween, said check valve including a disclike flexible portion in which an arcuate slot is formed that defines a pivotally mounted central sealing portion having a domed configuration, said sealing portion being pivotally movable into a sealing position with respect to said neck section upon axial movement of said plunger in a direction toward said neck section, thereby sealing said container, a disc interposed between said check valve and neck section of said container and having an opening formed therein through which the material from said container is forced, said opening having a concave countersunk portion for receiving said domed sealing portion of said check valve in sealing engagement upon pivotal movement thereof by said operating member to seal the feed chamber from said container; and a discharge spout joined to said body portion and communicating with said feed chamber, said plunger being axially movable in said bore, wherein movement of said head assembly in a direction toward said discharge spout forces material located in said feed chamber into said discharge spout for discharge exteriorly thereof and draws material from said container through said neck section into said load chamber, further movement of said operating member in the opposite direction toward said check valve causing said deformable element to be deformed toward said feed chamber, thereby forcing the material in said load chamber past said deformable element and into said feed chamber.
 2. In a device as set forth in claim 1, a support portion mounted on said opeRating member in spaced relation from said head portion, said deformable element being located between said head portion and support portion and being supported by said support portion, said support portion having a flat area on at least one side thereof, the flat area being aligned with the notch in said head portion and providing for entry of material from said load chamber into said feed chamber.
 3. In a device as set forth in claim 2, said support portion being formed integral with said plunger and head portion.
 4. In a device as set forth in claim 2, said support portion being formed as an integral part of said deformable element, and means located on said plunger and engaging said support portion for locking said deformable element and support portion therebetween and said head portion.
 5. In a device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the deformable element on said head assembly has an annular configuration. 